Salty Marshes

So, we headed south along the bank of the Simi towards the South Sea. The smell of salt in the air has becoming noticeably stronger over the past few days.
There are marshes across from us on the other side of the river, whilst we are finding ourselves being forced further inland from the slowing river because of the increasing amount of mud flats. Tomepicker has, for some reason I cannot fathom out, decided to attempt to pad through the mud rather than fly over it. It has slowed us down immensely as I seem to be constantly having to free him when he becomes stranded.

Today we finally reached the open sea, and what an amazing sight it was. Just an expanse of turquoise water as far as the eye can see all around to the south. What ever lands exist beyond the sea are truly a long, long way off. I have occasionally seen schools of dolphin moving across the sea. The last time I remember seeing dolphin was when travelling between Merquay and Roper’s Isle with Rhonas, Clunav and Torfeld.

The river has split into several smaller channels, and formed a large triangular area of shallow waters to cross. We have been able to cross these shallows fairly easily, over the fine sand below. Tomepicker has discovered many treats to eat within the salty water – crabs, worms and a strange creature that I have been unable to identify, although I have had time to draw an example.

With all the salt water that Tomepicker has been snuffling through, he has now developed a funny crusty layer to his snout. It makes him look like he has a fine beard on him! Now that we have reached the western side of the Simi we can resume our travels to Castlecairgn once we have eaten and rested.